As a composer, the music begins with me. I strive to write music that resonates with me and that I feel committed and compelled to share with the world. But the music comes to life through performers, teachers, students, and audiences. And when they’re moved by a lyrical melody or chuckle at a comedic moment, I know I’ve written something meaningful.

I grew up in a small town in Connecticut, playing in the school bands.

I loved creating wood-working projects in the garage, playing soccer, and riding bikes around our neighborhood. Both my parents grew up in Vermont, so I spent many holidays in the Green Mountain State visiting with family. I also married my wife, Ashley in Vermont; it will always be one of my favorite places.

My brother and I played a lot of sports growing up—I played soccer and tennis all the way through high school. But, music captured my imagination in a way that nothing else could. I was always humming as a child (just ask my brother) and improvising at the piano—something I still love to do.

I knew I wanted to play a band instrument from an early age. My brother was two years ahead of me and already playing trumpet, but the band program at my school didn’t start until 5th grade. So, I played violin for a year in the 4th grade orchestra. 

In 5th grade, I started playing the saxophone (rumor has it I also considered the trombone!). I spent hours listening to recordings of great jazz and classical saxophonists and trying to emulate their sounds and styles.

In high school, I played in wind ensemble, marching band, pit orchestra, jazz band, etc.—basically, every possibly ensemble—and started arranging and writing my own pieces (let’s not talk about the voice-leading in those pieces, okay?). At this point, I knew I wanted to make music a career.

Creating music and being immersed in it was something I needed to do—I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

I completed a bachelors degree in composition (and—fun fact—a minor in economics) at the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, and a masters degree in composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where I met my wife, Ashley.

Ashley and I live in Rochester, NY and when I’m not composing, teaching composition lessons, or playing (with Ashley accompanying on the piano), I love cooking, woodworking, playing with our dog Rory, and enjoying all that our Western NY city has to offer.

Well-Crafted Music That Can Inspire

An interview with Steve Danyew

Let’s work together to make something great.

Commissions

Commissioning a new piece is an exciting process. It brings a new work of art to life, written specifically for you and your ensemble, to be enjoyed by countless generations of musicians and audiences.

Residencies & Clinics

This is one of my favorite parts of my work. Each residency is unique and tailored to you: A 45-minute Zoom session, a dress rehearsal and concert, a one-day workshop, or a multi-day series of events.

Composition Lessons

I love helping others learn the craft of writing music. From orchestration choices & techniques to pacing, form, and harmonic and melodic choices, my goal is to help you write music you’re proud to share with the world.